Raheem Sterling v Samir Nasri

This duo may be of different styles, but of the same primary functions – to create chances for their team-mates, to offer an outlet when breaking towards goal quickly, and become a genuine alternate goalscoring threat.

Sterling is somebody who originally stretched play with his breakneck pace with the ball used often; Nasri, meanwhile, possessed a more refined style, looking to pick out passes from wide and arrive, unmarked, into the box to increase his team's proficiency in front of goal.

But such is the development Sterling has enjoyed this season, his game is now closer to Nasri's – he retains the speed and purpose with ball at feet, but also makes diagonal runs beyond the strikers, as well as picking out runners ahead. Brendan Rodgers has taken the raw attributes of Sterling and refined them – some feat given Sterling is just 19 years old.

Their difference in style is evident this season, with Nasri averaging 51 passes per league game, while Sterling averages just 25. Sterling is more likely to carry the ball, averaging 2.5 dribbles a game, which is far more than Nasri (1.4).

But the progression of Sterling is also clear to see, and he has added that incision and ingenuity to his play. He makes an average of 1.4 key passes a game, has three assists and six goals – while Nasri has more key passes (2.1) and assists (5), he has scored fewer goals (5).

But while Nasri is 26, and an experienced Premier League campaigner, Sterling is still a teenager. His fearless style on the ball, whether driving at defenders or looking to send his team-mates through on goal, could be vital on Sunday.

Sterling: 8

Nasri: 8

Raheem Sterling

Daniel Sturridge v Alvaro Negredo

Though Manuel Pellegrini could choose between Negredo or Edin Dzeko, it is the Spaniard who has featured more in the Premier League for City; no such dilemma for Liverpool, who will definitely start Sturridge alongside Luis Suarez.

On goalscoring alone, there is no contest. Negredo has registered a league goal once every 183 minutes this season, while Sturridge scores one every 101 minutes; Negredo has also gone seven appearances without a goal, while Sturridge's run of two games without scoring is his joint-worst this season.

This is very much a battle of perception. Sturridge is thought of, unfairly, as an individual more than a team player – but seven assists, and 27 key passes this season, dismiss that notion. Likewise, Negredo's physique sees him pigeon-holed as a battering ram with little finesse, but he has made 30 key passes this season, while marrying his power with a touch of class on the ball.

But it is difficult to match Sturridge's achievements up front this season, unless you are Suarez. Negredo may create space for Aguero and also offer problems for defenders, but Sturridge makes space for Suarez with great movement, offers problems for defenders and scores with a regularity not seen from an Englishman since Alan Shearer.

His average of 1.5 dribbles a game shows he is just as good on the ball as off it, while his higher rate of being dispossessed can be attributed to how often he looks to carry the ball forward.

There is such a purpose to Sturridge's running – and such a detailed mindset of how he can hurt the opposition – that he could light up Europe next season; whether Negredo did that this season, his hat-trick against CSKA Moscow aside, is debatable.

Sturridge: 9

Negredo: 8

Daniel Sturridge

Luis Suarez v Sergio Aguero

A clash of two heavyweight boxers with wings on their feet. The indestructibility of Yaya Toure and the sheer consistency of Daniel Sturridge may not agree, but Suarez and Aguero are the two best attacking players in the Premier League.

Their styles are not exactly the same, of course. Suarez is everywhere, football's most talented pest, closing defenders down and frequently embarking on a slalom through their flailing limbs. He averages almost three successful dribbles a game this season and makes 2.8 key passes, demonstrating how there is an end product to his tormenting.

And what an end product. He made 11 goals for team-mates this season and has created 77 chances – an average of 2.75 a game. He has also scored 29 goals in 28 games, the majority of those stamped with the indelible mark of the Uruguayan; goals from 40 yards out, goals after nutmegs, dribbles, twists and turns; goals, goals and goals.

But remarkably, his goal-to-minute ratio of 87 minutes is less than Aguero, who notches a goal every 80 minutes in the league. Aguero has 15 goals in 15 starts in what has been a frustratingly injury-affected season – and while plenty of them have been clinical finishes, there is magic sprinkled in there too, such as his fine finish against Spurs at White Hart Lane, with the spin he placed on the ball more welcome on the golf course.

Aguero is not as individually brilliant as Suarez. Five assists, as well as an average of 1.6 key passes, 1.5 dribbles per game and 27 chances created, sees him behind his fellow South American with regards to conjuring moments of magic. But he is more economical in possession, giving the ball away less than Suarez, looking to bring in his team-mates and build measured attacks.

Aguero's fitness permitting, it will be a battle between controlled fury and furious control. In the hectic nature of what could be a title-deciding fixture, it could be the former that wins out.